July 17, 2024

Well, Kelly and I didn’t let any grass grow under our feel again today! After breakfast we did two loads of laundry, updated our lists, and started brainstorming for – although it’s still early! – The Stahlstown Flax Festival in September. We are in charge of the kids’ activities and story table, and we made up our mind last year to add a few fun activities to the ones we already had.

I took a few minutes to clean up downstairs – yesterday’s ‘workshop’ for the centerpieces made a total mess of the floors so I swept and cleaned up. I feel better now!

Kelly wanted to make salt dough starfish for their ocean VBS theme, so while she was doing that I made the pepperoni biscuit balls for the LR party. We finished up about 1pm and headed out to do our never-ending list of chores and supplies. We ended up at the mall so we had Chick-Fil-A for lunch before we did any shopping. I took a few minutes to walk around Barbara Ann’s Country Store, and am pleased to say that I did NOT spend any money!

Salt dough starfish

Kelly was looking for hand soap at Bath and Body Works and was excited to see all their hand soaps were on sale for $3.95. So she got what she needed for her kitchen and bathroom.

Hand soaps

From there we went BACK to the Dollar Tree and grabbed a few things for our extended projects, then to Ollies next door. She bought a hilarious book about complete instructions on being a pirate! Trust me it was really funny. The checkout clerk ask her what a pirate’s favorite letter was and Kelly said, ‘ARRRR’. The clerk said you would think that, but it’s really the ‘C’ (sea – get it???). Everyone’s a comic these days.

Our Frosty Shack had a fundraiser for Hempfield Band so we stopped there for before supper treats. But then, we didn’t want supper! We came home and finished several projects (including updating our lists!) and then went over to Five Below. We found a few things we wanted there, then went to Walmart — where immediately it poured down rain! While we were waiting for it to let up, we bumped into a long-time sweet friend Ashly and her new baby boy, Obie! How fun that was to meet him in person and talk to Ashly.

May be an image of 1 person and baby

So now we are home, time for supper, and neither of us are hungry! We have a few small items to finish up tomorrow morning before she heads home and I head to work! It’s been fun having her here, visiting just us two, brainstorming and working on projects, and sharing meals. And I did not pull even one weed!

My blessing today was meeting baby Obie!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW July 18th is:

Insurance Nerd Day; National Sour Candy Day; Perfect Family Day; National VCR Day; World Listening Day; Get to Know Your Customers Day; National Tropical Fruit Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Check your List day. But we sure did enough of that! Tomorrow — I will try to listen, and be perfect. God bless…

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July 16, 2024

Kelly and I stayed up talking last night much later than normal, so we had a slow start this morning. We had hot tea with honey and Poppin’ Fresh cinnamon rolls for breakfast. We both had a few things to work on, and lists to update. We did a little project shopping, then stopped and watered Kathy’s flowers.

Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls with Original Icing - 8 ct - 12.4 ...

We were busy all afternoon – we did some touchup painting, worked on her VBS lessons and experiments, made centerpieces and decorations and signs for my LR party Saturday, and then updated the lists. I’m so glad to have so much done. Two weeks ago I didn’t think I could even manage it. Tamara called me and she’s really helping out, making and buying food for the party, and even made an amazing spreadsheet to keep track of everything. I’m so thankful for both Tamara and Kelly – and their amazing help!

Touching up my hearts and the tiny bear.
VBS project.
One of Kelly’s VBS experiments!
Kelly’s successful shopping….
Recycled bottles for an experiment…
Flowers and words.
Working on the word gardens

We had an ice cream break about 4pm. Now Kelly is upstairs organizing her VBS schedule while I do this post. It looks like I’ll make a trip out to the church on Friday night, and then Tamara and I will decorate and finish up Saturday morning. It’s all falling into place!

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Growing stories in the Word Garden

We were going to take a road trip today but it was too hot to consider walking around local historic districts. So we’re waiting for cooler weather.

Johnstown Flood Museum - Wikipedia
Johnstown Flood Museum – maybe next time when it’s cooler….

My blessings today were Tamara and Kelly being such amazing help!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW July 17th is:

National Hot Dog Day; National Lottery Day; National Peach Ice Cream Day; National Tattoo Day; Take Your Poet to Work Day; National Check Your List day; Yellow Pig Day; World Emoji Day; National Wrong Way Corrigan Day.

Yesterday’s day was National Lemonade Day. Tomorrow I’ll do ice cream, but not peach. I already have a tattoo. Maybe I’ll do a hot dog! God bless…

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July 15, 2024

This post will probably be a bit uninspiring! As Kelly does not plan on arriving until later this evening, I made some lists and handled some emails in regards to the LR party on Saturday.

Basic list – first draft

I did work both stores this morning, and had interesting conversations with both Sir Regis and Joe. Tried to get reliable information as to when my processing program would be back up, but that didn’t work.

After toast and tomato for lunch I did a load of laundry. Also got several new emails about Saturday so I updated my list. The week will slip away from me quickly, so I handled ordering the balloons and the sandwiches and picked up a few things that are sometimes difficult to find. The rest will have to wait until Thursday or Friday.

A picture from Autmn.

Since it’s sunny and hot (93*) I am opting to stay inside for now. There is a brisk breeze right now but not enough to make sitting outside comfortable. Maybe tomorrow will be more interesting!

Flag was blown into a twist….

My blessing for today was Sir Regis and Joe!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW July 16th is:

Fresh Spinach Day; Lemonade Day; Guinea Pig Appreciation Day; National Cherry Day; National Corn Fritters Day; National Personal Chef Day; National Wedding Invitation Day; Rural Transit day; World Snake Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Iced Water Day. Tomorrow? DEFINITELY NOT Wedding Invitations or SNAKE day! NO NO NO NO NO!!! I’ll take a personal chef. I would eat much healthier if I had someone shopping and cooking for me! God bless…

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July 14, 2024

I got a lot accomplished this morning at church. I was able to pick up a key for the building so I can access the welcome center to decorate and prep for the weekend. Also talked to Stephanie and Kim about our rotation teaching idea, and remembered to ask Kim to help teach on the 28th when Mary is away. After church Paul showed me how to work the new wireless mic and speaker set and it’s (thankfully) very easy.

The kids were very talkative but good listeners in Sunday School. We had six – two girls and four boys.

Addie, Grace, Jax, Jackson
Mary, Max, Cody (Addie)

I made lists as to what I need to take and also purchase for the weekend’s publication party. Also forwarded the RSVP list to Ruth. I’ve received 3 different emails regarding RSVP’s since the deadline closed! I’m guessing it’s not over yet.

I sprayed some weed control along the fence, which I hope will help. Also trimmed back the Rose of Sharons on the hill. As a whole the yard is looking less wild!

Really trimmed back…
Much neater

I made the potato soup and had a bowl for supper. Kelly called while I was finishing it up and is hoping I save her some. If I ate an entire batch of Cream of Potato Soup by myself is less than 24 hours I’m in trouble!

Cooking potatoes and base.
Supper
Plenty left!

I’m sleepy tonight. But I’m trying to keep from going to bed too early because then I wake up too early!

My blessing for today was my sweet friend Mary who encouraged me when I was feeling tired and overwhelmed – even if she didn’t realize it!

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW July 15th is:

Celebration of the Horse Day; Global Hug Your Kids Day; National Iced Water Day; National Be A Dork Day; National Get Out of the Doghouse Day; National Give Something Away Day; National Gummi Worm Day; Orange Chicken Day; National Pet Fire Safety Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Blow up a Balloon Day. Let’s hug our kids, give something away, and figure out what it means to be a dork. God bless…

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July 13, 2024

Saturday! Clean sheets, laundry, English muffin for breakfast. I drove over to Ruth’s to get the bin of supplies for the LR Publication Party which she keeps stored in her garage. Now I’ll just have to go through it to see what we still need.

I stopped and got potatoes and milk; tomorrow I will make potato soup. It’s easy on my stomach and provides meals for several days. I did the ironing, then went outside for a while. I spread my paint blanket on the lawn then put the bistro table and chairs there – then gave them a touch-up. They look very nice and spiffy!

They look like new.

By the time I got all that done it was a little cooler and there was a nice breeze. I cut back some overgrown mint, the dead day lilies, some hostas and trimmed a few shrubs. Had two bags of yard trash. I came inside and got a shower and hair wash and all that’s left is to have some dinner once this is posted.

Hostas, day lilies and mint gone
Mint, hostas, and climbing vines gone
Shrubs cut and mint pulled.
Much neater
Cut overgrown vines down.

Kath forwarded me a newsletter from Senator Kim Ward — Pennsylvania is the top state for tick related incidents in the entire country. I talked to Kelly and she said their dog Camo has Lyme disease — so he’s a statistic!

Senator Ward, K E-Newsletter

Kelly has a project to work on for VBS and needed 2 shades of spray paint. I already had the dark purple so I found a lighter shade for her project. We’ll work on that next week when she’s here.

Approved by Kelly!

While I was outside I switched out the big stepping stone and put it down back by that spigot, and put the two flat ones up front. Makes using the upfront spigot easier to get to in my bare feet!

Brought this stone from up front and re-painted it.
Much better.

I’m surprised that I kept so busy all day! I’ll be ready for a good rest tonight.

48,353 Cartoon Girl Sleeping Royalty-Free Photos and Stock ...

My blessing today was the last ears of yummy corn for lunch! God knew what he was doing when he planted that stuff!

Corn on the Cob - Your Way

PEANUTS Thought for the day:

TOMORROW July 14th is:

Barn Day; National Be Nice to Bugs Day (I don’t THINK so!!!); National Mac & Cheese Day; Blow up a Balloon Day; National Nude Day (ummmm, no); National Tape Measure Day; Shark Awareness Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Lid Day. Tomorrow: Barn day! Lovely! I used a tape measure today. So I am a day ahead of schedule. God bless!

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July 12, 2024

I had to work in Greensburg this morning so no sleeping in or slouching around. I was glad to be of help, and got the title applied for and one of the deals mailed out. Then I went to Palmer’s farm stand and got yellow beans, corn, and a squash. Yum! Great lunch.

Had corn for lunch
Beans

I did a load of laundry, then went outside to water plants and cut back a few dead plants. Took about 10 minutes. It’s too hot to be outside. I did some chocolate covered popcorn but again, the sweets don’t settle well with my stomach. Only Ice Cream. Go figure!

Ready, set….
Done!

Yesterday I made trail mix – today I took a little sample to Joe.

Raisins, honey-nut Cheerio’s, M&M’s, peanuts, cashews, and semi-sweet chocolate chips.

There are a few plants blooming despite the heat. Today has been a ‘tiring’ day – I don’t feel like I have much energy. Maybe it’s the heat, as I felt pretty good yesterday. I get restless when I have to be still for very long – but I shouldn’t over-do it. I still have a little ironing to do which I can finish after I post this.

Pinky Winky is getting very tall.
A few blooms

Autmn sent me a picture of Cameron having a playdate with a new friend. Also, he loves to swing! I know I saw him on Wednesday but I miss my baby hugs.

Swingin’
New friend Elias

Today’s blessing was having a cool, comfortable home to be inside, away from the heat.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW July 13th is:

Fools Paradise Day; International Skinny Dip Day; National Beans N Franks Day; National Rock Day; National Lid Day; National Barbershop Music Appreciation Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Rooster day. Tomorrow- how about rocks? I love rocks! God bless…

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July 11, 2024

Happy birthday today to my brother in law Paul! Since it’s 7-11 day, go get a free Slurpee at 7-Eleven!

So let’s catch up! A big thanks to Beth for the lovely card. I AM feeling better and glad to be slipping back into a routine. One little day at a time!

Sweet card from Beth

Tuesday night after it cooled off I pulled/dug some plants from the side and back of the shed. Then I sprayed Round-up on the little sprouts. That should stifle more weeds for a while, anyway. Then today, after I cut the grass, I trimmed the lilacs on the other side of the shed and cleaned that up a little, too.

Right side of shed
Back of shed
Left side of shed.

Yesterday I planned on spending the day cleaning and doing some laundry. Autmn called and asked if I could keep an eye on Cameron – she wasn’t feeling well and needed to have a medical checkup and didn’t think she should take Cameron with her by herself. I agreed so she brought him over. He’s such a happy, fun child. And very close to walking for sure!

Playing with his busy table and watching Sesame Street!
He can stand up and walk holding on…
He likes his light-up ball.
Trying to tell me a story.

Nate and Jen came up for a little visit before Autmn got home.

Cameron loves Puppers and Gigi!

After work today I grabbed a few groceries, ate yogurt for lunch, then cut the grass. The front didn’t need cut because it’s just a little on the crisp side. But I did spend about 15 minutes pulling weeds around the baby lilac bush, and cut back some dead stalks on the right side of the hill.

Baby lilac bush
Yellow and peach day lilies.
Cleaned up.

My little bunny friend likes to hang around. He doesn’t scare off easily.

My blessing today was a quick visit with my friends Greg and Lynn. Special people!!

No photo description available.
Photo courtesy of facebook.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW July 12th is:

Amazon Prime Day; Collector Car Appreciation Day; National Rooster Day; Etch A Sketch Day; National Eat Your Jello Day; National French Fry Day; National Motorcycle Day; National Pecan Pie Day; Paper Bag Day; National Different Colored Eyes Day.

Tuesday’s fake day was National Lemon Balm Day. Tomorrow let’s celebrate French Fries and paper bags. God bless!

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July 10, 2024

It’s really not that late – only about 9:30pm – but I’m tired and need to grab something for supper. I cleaned and did laundry and also watched Cameron this afternoon while Autmn went to a medical appointment. So I’ll catch up tomorrow.

Have a happy Thursday – God bless!!!

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July 9, 2024

Another super warm day – right now (5:35pm) it’s 91*. I was hoping to spend fifteen minutes outside behind the shed to clean up a few stray plants — but right now it’s far too hot!

91f Fahrenheit Degrees Air Temperature Weather Stock Illustration  2154366945 | Shutterstock

In the meantime, I have Hallmark Christmas movies playing in the background (hoping it makes me feel cooler!) and writing out thank you notes. I spent over an hour cutting out words for the LR Publication party decorations and taping ribbon on them. I think I got a little over aggressive because there are far too many words to use!

Word Garden words.

When I walked outside earlier to check the heat level I noticed a baby bunny stretched out under the wheelbarrow. He looked comfortable so I hope he is cool enough.

His little back legs…
Peek a boo!

The front yard was in the shade and had a nice breeze, so I cut back the dead daisy stalks and the Solomon’s Seal. Only took about ten minutes and looks much better.

Daisies are gone.
Solomon’s Seal cut down.

I plan to go over my checkbook and write a check or two – and then check the temperature again. I miss being outside!

One of my top charities…

My blessing for today was getting those words cut out.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

280 Snoopy's words of wisdom ideas | snoopy, snoopy quotes, snoopy love

TOMORROW July 10th is:

Don’t Step on a Bee Day; Gospel Day; Lemon Balm Day; National Kitten Day; Pick Blueberries Day; Teddy Bear Picnic Day.

Ironically, yesterday’s fake day was National Bee Day! Tomorrow – let’s have a teddy bear picnic! God bless…

Teddy Bear Picnic Images – Browse 3,558 Stock Photos ...
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July 8, 2024

The day started a little slow – I was moving slow. But work was busy at both stores and I didn’t get home until almost 1pm. I had a very strange lunch – a piece of watermelon and a brownie with ice cream! I will have to have a healthy supper.

Watermelon Slice" Images – Browse 9,744 Stock Photos ...
Just a little slice.

I threw a load of laundry in, then went outside for a little while. I noticed that my deck chairs – that had been stored in my deck box all winter – were smelling musty. I scrubbed the box and the chairs and will wash the chair covers tomorrow. I think that will help.

I also scrubbed the Mountain Pie Irons but they look a little tattered. Not sure if they need treated again or not.

Need a little love….

Yesterday my friend Greg sent me a picture of a huge purple-leafed plant. We decided that Eve would have loved wearing those — but Adam didn’t need anything quite that big…

Disclaimer – generic photo. I don’t know these people.

Once I got the chairs done I attacked a few sections of the hill. I was only outside less than an hour but got a lot done and it looks better. Then, another shower!

I did the front walk the other day but don’t think I posted that…

I got tired of my garage broom falling over so I stopped at the Dollar Tree and got a broom holder. Works perfect!

One of the things that Diane brought me on Saturday was a collection of sea shells that she found at the New Jersey shore. So I put them on display!

Jersey shells

My blessing for today is a little fresh air and a quiet afternoon.

PEANUTS Thought for the Day:

TOMORROW July 9th is:

Fashion Day; Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Omelet Day; National Sugar Cookie Day; National Bee Day; National Dimples Day; Cow Appreciation Day.

Yesterday’s fake day was National Balloon Day. Tomorrow let’s celebrate sugar cookie and appreciate cows! God bless…

31,500+ Giant Cow Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free ...
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